S. Ireland (5 October 2007)

Having read a couple of good reviews for the Bank - we were looking forward to Saturday lunch - we arrived at 12.50, in the worst of Scottish weather, we viewed their menu outside and were already choosing. We entered a lovely room, tastefully decorated and were immediately heartened, and with only one table taken, we were about to sit down (as there was none to greet us) when the very young waitress appeared, asked us if we had a booking and when we said no, she disappeared for several minutes, to return and tell us they were fully booked, and we really should have booked earlier. Disappointed and dejected, we left, on exit, I considered my experience to date, and the facts didn't quite add up - so went back in and asked the waitress again to explain why at 13.10 on a Saturday, that if they were fully booked - all but one of the tables remained unoccupied - she disappeared again, and returned to tell us, that they only cater for bookings on a Saturday, and therefore they did not have enough food. I pointed out that the menu was put outside on a daily basis, so why bother if they were not inviting trade and if they were open on Saturday evening, surely that had food - a definite no, thanks and please don’t forget to book the next time you want to come - all in all, it would be good to be in a position to review the food, but given the service, I know I wont be bothering.